"Absurd!" Laya, the mist haired girl slammed the table upon hearing what she had just heard.
"Calm down." Celena motioned for her to sit back.
In the confines's of Celena's room, Shugel, Celena, Laya, and Fors had gathered for a private discussion. Princess Laya had insisted on using the second wing of the palace for the added privacy.
Shugel didn't care as long as he could discuss his hypothesis with them.
As they entered the room, they settled into the couch, settling themselves around a small table. Shugel took a seat across them, while Fors stood behind Celena and Laya, who sat side by side.
If Shugel wanted to survive he had to look for clues in past. And there had been many, but one was particularly hazy, it even questioned him to reconsider his memories.
The loop before he was killed by Dae Guar, the loop in which Celena was alive, he had gone the furthest. He had lived the longest. He had seen the dawn.
But that dawn was different, something felt off, something about that court was ominous. He didn't know what.
He had seen anxious face of others, of Celena, but among them on the peripheral of his vision he had seen a smile twist in someone's face.
And that someone was non other than the queen.
Something was different about her that morning. Something was off... He couldn't tell what.
She seemed to know something. She seemed to be in control of something. Or was it just an illusion.
Could she be the one responsible for sending him back in time? If so, why? And how?
It had been just a brief moment before everything went flash blank, and Shugel realised he had been sent back in time.
But he was sure he saw it, the smile twisting into her face.
Without any warning words came out of his mouth. "I think the queen knows something about what is happening and hiding it."
He had expected the reaction from Laya. But he didn't want to leave any room for suspicion from his end. Last time, he had been killed by Dae Gaur in accordance with her wish.
'Princess Laya' that's what Dae said about the person before killing him. Many pieces still didn't fit yet but, he was sure that princess Laya was surely suspicious of him.
If he messed up he could lose his life.
When he thought about it, he wondered if he had actually died or not? He was sure had died in second loop, but if that was case then could he have died in first loop too?
*Wait could I have...*
He shook his head and shifted his attention to more important topic.
Celena had motioned laya to calm down, before looking up to him saying.
"I wonder if you are an idiot or just bold. Either way, I suppose you understand intrications of what you have said."
How could he tell he was just scared of death.
"Honestly all I know is I could get in serious trouble if I said it to anyone else or in any other scenario. Which is why I wanted to discuss it in private."
"And what made you think it was okay it in front of us. Let alone in front of her daughter?" Celena pressed, genuinely curious.
Laya too looked at him curiously.
Shugel sighed, "it's simple because the situation leaves no room for messing up. And by revealing what I think, even though I may be risking my life, I establish trust."
He turned his eyes at Laya, "I know you may be most skeptical of me. But hey, I am human. I can be wrong. But at least I am here to discuss everything. Can't you put some amount of trust, if not on me then atleast your, umm friend? Sister? I mean Celena."
Laya was bit confused on what he was referring about, but Shugel didn't break eye contact. She nodded, "Fine, I will listen what you have to say."
Shugel gave big sigh of relief, as he relaxed himself. He had been nervous about how to get everyone to listen. For some reason Celena showed no reaction. For some reason, ever since he had met her she had thrown his logical mind in array. He had no idea, what was in her head? What she was planning? What she was expecting from him? If he began to search for answer he didn't know if he would have time or the energy left to deal with the pressing situation he was in.
Also, this was not a right time for that. For now gaining Laya's trust and getting out of dead end was important.
Then he had to find out what had caused Celena's death in second loop.
What changed in the second loop? Why was she alive in first loop and not in second?
"If I can convince you promise me you all will atleast try to confirm it." Shugel waited for them to agree.
Celena motioned him to speak, as she said, "You have already put yourself in a corner, so better speak everything you have to say."
"Fine. Let's start with my ability... Umm I don't know if I should call this an ability or not but thats not the issue. The thing is just like I said, I possess some kind of intuition or memories which hint me towards what is going to happen... And I cannot control anything about this ability."
He was struggling on how to phrase everything that was happening to him. He had no idea on what was happening and why, so he couldn't explain them the exact things. Plus who would believe talks of him saying absurd things like...'I have come back in time to save you.'
He played with his words not straying from the truth, because of he lied he couldn't tell what would happen to him.
He had expected to feel some kind of shock for twisting his words but he had not felt any pain. Though, he was only hiding the unnecessary parts, no one had asked him any specific question, and he had not said single word of false.
He had rough idea of his ability or 'what he was experiencing' but he didn't feel strongly about his hypothesis. Which meant he himself was unsure, which he clearly stated.
Celena was poundering if such kind of things even existed or not.
Laya was purely skeptical but she didn't intrupt him.
Fors was trying to not raise a brow at what he had just heard, but the old man was more in control of his expressions, though his gaze looked curious.
"Hmm, I have never heard of this kind of ability. I am not sure if it even fits any other category. What about you Laya." Hand on her chin, celena tried to think of what he had said.
"Me too, it sounds like some joke. But from what is happening, and seeing that this person is not our enemy, I would like to put more thoughts into this. Tell me umm...Sh... " She waited for him to tell her his name.
"It's Shugel."
"Yess, Shugel. I will remember that." She said apologetically before continuing, "Tell me more about what you just said."
"Sorry, But this is all I am sure of and can tell you. Just like I said, don't know anything about how this happens with me." He was sincere in answering that.
"But," he continued, "what I know is, it's like broken pieces of a puzzle, and I lack information to fit everything in place."
Celena and Laya both looked bit perplexed by his choice of words.
""Puzzle you say. Do you have the ability of Foreknowledge!?..."" They tried to suppress their voice, but the shock and disbelief in there voice was unsuppressed.
Shugel was bit taken a back, "Not sure If I can say that..."
"'Second Sight'." A voice deft raspy voice intrupted. It was Fors.
Celena and Laya looked quite intrigued by what Fors said. It was as if some thing clicked in their mind.
Shugel had no idea what they all were thinking of, but soon Celena murmured "The Sage..."
"Long ago on this land walked seven sages. Nearly everything about them is lost, they are considered some kind of mythological beings in today's time. Though, there are many versions of the stories, but In most of them, the sages possessed some kind of wisdom, which had helped in warding off huge calamities." Fors told.
"But that is just an old history, of which there is barely any evidence." Celena scoffed.
"There are many more lost magic, knowledge in this world. Though It is very rare, I have heard of children born with special abilities never seen before, they are also known as 'Special deviators' more common one would be, ones who are born with aptitude for healing." Fors explained to Shugel.
Shugel felt like he had lost the lead in the one who was talking absurd things that were making other curious and suspicious of him but.
If it was his world. What they all were discussing would be labelled as 'Eight grader's delusion.'
Shugel processed what he had heard just now, "So the sage thing..."
"No one knows about how true they are, but non the less, though rare, there are some people who are born with such abilities." Laya said.
"Well then, I think the origin of my ability are useless as long as you are ready to believe me." Shugel said, signalling them that he wanted to move to the main topic.
"Before you begin. It would be better if you don't reveal what you have said about your ability to anyone else." Fors warned.
Shugel looked curious to ask why, but he controlled his urge, replied with "Yess, I will keep that in mind."
It seemed Celena and Laya agreed with Fors' warning.
Shugel took a deep breath.
"Now that you understand how I know what I know, I can begin with 3rd piece of information that I have yet to reveal."
"Though I say it with certainty, I don't know if I am sure about my assumption. But this may be the biggest clue I have to find out 'what's going to happen and how'."
*My memories and instincts are replaying that scene again and again. I am sure, I saw it.*
"I believe whatever is happening, the queen is certainly involved in it. I know not of her intentions, but she is probably aware of what is behind all this." Shugel said.
"I cannot guarantee what I am saying is actually the truth, but trust me the biggest puzzle piece in my sight right now is the queen."
For some reason, Celana and Laya were lost in thought. They didn't show any kind of denial, but he could sense some kind of hesitation... It was as if they were aware of something he wasn't.
"What is happening right now is not 'all of a sudden' thing." Celena looked at laya, her eyes forcing laya to say something.
Laya gave in and after a breath spoke, "From last few months things have started to change drastically. It's as if something has possessed it."
Shugel looked confused by her choice of words. Laya noticed this and felt as if she had said something childish by his gaze.
"Ahem. Sorry." She looked flustered, "What I meant is weird things have been happening in this palace. Mother's sickness has become worse in last few months. Father has also started to age faster, it's as if some kind of presence has entered our home."
Shugel gulped audibly. Why did she sound like this place was haunted or something. No, she had clearly explained well enough for him to understand, and recontextualize the information according to this world.
*Someone wants to end the rular, and weakens the empire.*
In first loop the king had been assassinated. In second loop, He witnessed Celena's death. There was no continuity, no mather how he tried to connect the dots.
"How did queen got sick. Isn't there some kind of medicine or herb or even magic that can cure it!?"
If there was they would have done so, Shugel already knew what the answer would be but he couldn't help himself from asking the same question.
"There is no cure because no one knows what is causing it. We have searched whole world, but there was no healer or anyone who could cure her." Laya answered, her tone was soft and weak.
Shugel felt bad for making her say all this.
"Did something happened to her in past. Even if you think it may or may not be the reason please tell me if there is anything."
Laya looked taken aback by his straight forward question. Unsure of how to respond to such a probing question. Her expression flickered with a mix of surprise and uncertainty as she processed his words.
After a momentary pause, Laya composed herself and replied, "I don't know if it's of any use but... Ever since she lost Louise, something inside her changed. She was still my mother but gradually her health started to Deteriorate. Initially she looked fine but slowly things got worse."
"Louise?..."
"He was her first child, whom she lost when he was not even ten properly." Celena replied in the place of Laya.
Laya turned towards her at her interruption.
"You don't have to talk about it, so let me answer his questions." Celena said to laya before turning to Shugel.
"Louise Ersa was queen Siale Ersa's first Child, he was also Laya's older brother. Fourteen years ago, just when his tenth year birthday was near, he mysteriously fell sick. The doctor was called to examine him, he gave him some medicines and said 'Prince Luise will be on his feets to attend his tenth year birthday celebration when day arrives.'
Just like the doctor said, the medicines were working on him and he was getting better, no one could have ever imagined what happened on his birthday. The night before his birthday the queen had gone to check on his heath, he said he would be ready to attend the celebration. And said his mother to not worry too much about his health. Queen left some apple's on table for him to eat and left saying goodnight. Next morning, queen went to check on him, Prince Luise was not in his bed, the apple on the table were left untouched. She called out his name. There was no reply. Slowly she started to panick. She searched for him, then found his lifeless body laying on the ground of bathroom, with his own hand, Louise had slit his throat, and lay dead on the ground. No one knew why, how this was possible? The queen devastated."
Celena took her time narrating Shugel what had happened, she had glossed over many details but this was more than expected.
Shugel didn't know if this story had given him any clue. Like they said it was useless aside from the reason why queen's health had taken a dip.
*Mental health can have great effect on physical health*.
"It certainly made me empathize with the queen. It kind of reminds me of my mother."
Laya's eyebrow arched in response to Shugel's comment, 'what did he mean by remind'
Noticing Laya's gaze Shugel elaborated, "Well you see, my mother also lost her first child, my older sister. I have seen my mother's eyes, and ever since that day..."
"Anyway, I can't see any connections for now, other than queen's health." Shugel sighed.
"Certainly, though half of reason why I told that to you is also to stop you from speaking something inconsiderate."
"Ehh— w-what gave you the idea that I would be so inconsiderate!?" Shugel groaned.
"Pfft" Laya chuckled seeing the sudden back-and-forth between Shugel and Celena for a moment.
Shugel felt that the initial resistance between them had lessened a bit. Even though it had not gone completely atleast this was better than before.
It was time for conversation to enter the next phase. On noticing the tense expression on Shugel's face everyone readied themselves.
"You said that all this started long before. And we are in the climax."
""I suppose you can say that."" Celena and Lena dodged the question together.
*Hell am I supposed to do when we are already nearing the climax of whatever's happening!?*
Shugel wished too scream at his fate but unfortunately he couldn't.
"It doesn't matter. We gotta utilise whatever time we have our hand with whatever information."
Shugel then added, "I know it may be my hypothesis, but it may be possible that there are multiple individuals at work and queen even may not be centre of all this."
Fors eyes narrowed on hearing Shugel.
"You may be right. It's better If we are ready to handle any kind of enemy." Celena agreed with Shugel and Laya too nodded to this.
"On that note" said Shugel, looking into Laya's eyes, "I don't know how you will feel about it but. Please let me meet the queen in private."
Laya was left addle.
"If you wish you can come or anyone else." He added.
She didn't lash out, but she looked bit worried and even confused.
"What happened?" Shugel asked.
"We all cannot go to her room." Celena replied.
Shugel seemed confused on 'why?'
"Ever since queen fell sick, special hall was constructed for her and a special room. No one can enter the hall without permission, and if anyone enters her room without permission he or she will fall unconscious. There is limit in that room. Only two people can enter the room, other than mother."
"Can't we meet outside?" Shugel suggested.
"We can but it won't be private anymore. Because..."
"Ah, I understand. You don't have say anymore."
It was obvious if he put his brain to use.
*First thing was, queen was extremely week and required support to even walk.
And other was, if a powerful figure like queen meet someone outside it would obviously become a heated topic, bringing unnecessary attention.*
Meeting outside was impossible, meeting inside was tricky then...
A gloom casted over Shugel's face, as he saw no hope. "What else can we do..."
"It will take time but, it's not hard to get permission, the tricky part is the reason. I will arrange what you desire." Laya said.
Celena looked shocked by Laya sudden compliance to Shugel's request.
"What? why are you looked at me like that?" Laya asked.
"No. Nothing. You just suprised me." Celena replied.
"I am just putting my trust on Celana." She said as she looked at Shugel.
"That's what I asked. But hey, I am grateful."
"It's nothing. You are physically harmless and I don't think you possess any threat directly." Scoffed Laya.
*Truth hurts!*
Shugel laughed awkwardly trying to act unfaced by Laya's harsh remarks.
"I will ask Dae to arrange the meeting. You all will have to wait for an hour or so. Also, it's better if you all stay in close proximity."
"Not that I can leave this person on his own." Celena sighed.
—Laya Ersa exited the room. And door creaked shut; leaving only Celena, Fors and Shugel in the dimly lit room.